According to media reports, US administration have unveiled new sanctions on actors in Iran, Hong Kong, China and Venezuela, accusing them of “enabling Iran’s destabilizing ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programmes”.

It is pertinent to mention, a number of restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iran’s missile programme were lifted on Wednesday as part of the country’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

But on the same day, the United States slapped new sanctions targeting Tehran’s missile programme while the European Union last month decided to impose restrictive measures under “the EU non-proliferation regime”.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China was “always firmly opposed to illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the US”. “We will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens,” she said.

The US Treasury Department said on Wednesday that it was sanctioning 11 individuals, eight entities and one vessel.

The people targeted have “materially supported” Iran in the production and proliferation of missiles and drones”, the Treasury added.

“Iran’s reckless choice to continue its proliferation of destructive UAVs and other weapons prolongs numerous conflicts in regions around the world,” said Brian Nelson, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement.